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Big news for CNA training graduates. The California Nurses Association and the National Union of Healthcare Workers, two health care unions made the decision to join together. This merger is sure to fuel a whole new round of labor tension. Here’s the news:

After CNA Training – Nursing News

The California Nurses Association, 185,000 members strong merged with the National Union of Healthcare Workers, which has a mere 10,000 members. Their efforts were to unite and create a new union made up entirely of health sector workers. The merger between the two could be part of a growing trend for unions with failing memberships, as they continue in their fight for organized labor. What does this really mean for you, the CNA training graduate?

CNA Training Graduates – Pro Union or Against it?

Depending on where you live and which union you are a part of, there are different results of union efforts. Some CNA training graduates view unions as a necessary and vital part of the healthcare field. CNA training graduates who are pro union can be heard with arguments such as the following:

Unions guarantee fair treatment

Unions are pro employee and promise to offer each member job security, regular raises, healthcare benefits and more

Of the CNA training graduates who are for unions, many have union running through their heritage. When one CNA training graduate was asked about unions, she replied, “My mother was a factory worker in the automobile industry. Unions guaranteed her a fair wage with regular increases, vacation time, and healthcare.” Those who have relatives who were pro union often follow suit and are quite passionate about their support.

But what about CNA training graduates who are neutral or against unions? What’s their story? Some say unions promote laziness and squash employee dedication or the motivation to get ahead, “Why try extra hard? Why go above and beyond when you’re going to receive the same treatment (based on seniority) regardless of your performance,” said one nursing assistant.

There is some truth to this argument. When all raises and moving up the company ladder relies on seniority, it’s easy to become just a matter of waiting out your time until you receive the shift or wing or position you’ve been waiting for. As a CNA training graduate, is this the type of security you’re looking for? It all comes with pros and cons.

How do you feel about unionizing the health care industry? Are you for it or against it? Before picking a side, as a responsible CNA training graduate, you really should educate yourself fully on both sides. While unions are supposed to guarantee raises and fair treatment, they also collect dues and may not always deliver on their promises. Like anything else, don’t take a side until you feel educated enough, and through a variety of sources. Prove out your convictions. Then your support or non-support will be well founded.

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